How to time-box research so it actually pays

How to time-box research so it actually pays

Popular advice: "Deeply research every prospect before reaching out." Myth. Unbounded research is procrastination that feels like diligence, and 40 minutes per contact never returns its cost. Time-box it:

— 4 minutes, hard stop. Set a timer, no exceptions.
— Look for ONE usable fact, then leave. The second fact rarely makes the message.
— No fact in 4 minutes means no message — disqualify, don't dig.
— Write the line immediately, while the fact is fresh.

Research isn't proof of effort, it's a hunt for one trigger. Find it fast or move on.